The Best Patios in Every Chicago Neighborhood

The key to happiness is actually quite simple. It’s passing an afternoon (and maybe an evening, and OK a night) on a great patio with your besties, good food and a few cocktails. We’ve rounded up the top spots across Chicago’s neighborhoods, so call your girls and get out there.

Hyde Park: Plein Air Cafe

We thought the word “sparkly” only described how we feel five sips into a glass of rosé. Then we found this place. With its light seasonal fare and patio that makes you feel like you’ve just been transported to a secret European garden, it’s the epitome of sparkly.

Bucktown: 90 Miles Cuban Cafe

Cuba is now open to U.S. travelers, but for years Chicagoans have been savoring all the ropa vieja and sun they can at this Armitage Avenue eatery. There’s a smaller Roscoe Village outpost, but we stick with the original.

GOLD COAST: GIBSONS

We love scouting Chicago’s hot new restaurants, but sometimes you need a little old-school flavor. Enter Gibsons, our go-to for prime cuts of steak and seafood and views of the passers-by in Mariano Park.

Pilsen: May Street Cafe

This tiny brunch-and-dinner spot is oh-so romantic. Shared plates of lollipop lamb chops with pesto and escargot in strawberry garlic butter make it the perfect dinner spot. Served on the patio? It’s next level.